{"id":35185,"date":"2026-04-21T00:38:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T00:38:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/people\/35185\/"},"modified":"2026-04-21T00:38:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T00:38:18","slug":"gavin-newsoms-dark-horse-governor-favorite-rockets-in-shock-new-poll","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/people\/35185\/","title":{"rendered":"Gavin Newsom\u2019s \u2018dark horse\u2019 governor favorite rockets in shock new poll"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"California<\/p>\n

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA \u2013 SEPTEMBER 18: California attorney general Xavier Becerra (R) speaks as California Gov. Gavin Newsom (L) looks on during a news conference at the California justice department on…<\/p>\n

The gubernatorial candidate reportedly seen as a dark horse favorite by Gavin Newsom\u2019s team has suddenly shot up in the polls.<\/p>\n

Xavier Becerra<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 who previously served as Secretary of Health and Human Services under\u00a0Joe Biden\u00a0\u2014 has seen a remarkable spike in support after the abrupt collapse of\u00a0Eric Swalwell\u2019s campaign<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Swalwell, once viewed as a leading Democratic contender, exited the race amid multiple allegations of sexual assault and rape, as well as a Department of Justice investigation. He has denied the accusations<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The gubernatorial candidate reportedly seen as a dark horse favorite by Gavin Newsom\u2019s team has suddenly shot up in the polls. REUTERS<\/p>\n

\"Xavier<\/p>\n

Xavier Becerra \u2014 who previously served as Secretary of Health and Human Services under Joe Biden \u2014 has seen a remarkable spike in support after the abrupt collapse of Eric Swalwell\u2019s campaign. ZUMAPRESS.com<\/p>\n

In the immediate aftermath, Becerra appears to have emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries.<\/p>\n

A new survey conducted between April 14 and April 18 among 800 likely primary voters shows Becerra jumping to 15% support \u2014 an 11-point surge from just 4% earlier this month.<\/p>\n

The sudden rise places him in a tight cluster of candidates battling for second place, signaling a rapidly shifting political landscape.<\/p>\n

The poll shows Trump-backed Republican\u00a0Steve Hilton still\u00a0leading the field with 20%, while Becerra is now tied with\u00a0billionaire Tom Steyer\u00a0at 15%.<\/p>\n

Close behind are\u00a0Chad Bianco\u00a0at 14% and\u00a0Katie Porter\u00a0at 13%, all within striking distance of a runoff spot, according to a poll by Gudelunas Strategies. <\/a><\/p>\n

The surge comes amid growing chatter that allies of\u00a0Gavin Newsom\u00a0are increasingly viewing Becerra as a viable dark horse candidate to succeed the term-limited governor.<\/p>\n

While Newsom himself has not issued a formal endorsement, reports suggest individuals within his political network have begun shifting their attention toward Becerra following Swalwell\u2019s exit.<\/p>\n

\"In<\/p>\n

In the immediate aftermath, Becerra appears to have emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries. AP<\/p>\n

The governor has publicly maintained a neutral stance. The California Post has reached out to Newsom\u2019s office for comment.<\/p>\n

Behind the scenes, political observers note increasing signs of movement. Firms and strategists with ties to Newsom have reportedly begun engaging with Becerra\u2019s campaign, fueling speculation that institutional support could further boost his standing in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n

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With California\u2019s primary system advancing the top two candidates regardless of party, even small shifts in voter sentiment could determine who makes it onto the November ballot.<\/p>\n

Among Democratic-leaning voters specifically, Becerra appears to have carved out an early advantage. He leads that group with 21%, ahead of both Steyer and Porter, who each register 19%.<\/p>\n

\"With<\/p>\n

With California\u2019s primary system advancing the top two candidates regardless of party, even small shifts in voter sentiment could determine who makes it onto the November ballot. AP<\/p>\n

Favorability ratings also paint a favorable picture for Becerra. The poll found he holds a +33 net favorability \u2014 significantly higher than Porter (+8) and Steyer (+5) \u2014 indicating relatively strong perceptions among voters who know him.<\/p>\n

Despite the momentum, the race remains wide open.<\/p>\n

Hilton maintains a narrow lead, and four candidates \u2014 Becerra, Steyer, Bianco, and Porter \u2014 remain clustered within the margin of error for second place.<\/p>\n

With 10% of voters still undecided and months to go before the primary, the contest is far from settled.<\/p>\n

If current trends hold, California voters could be witnessing the emergence of a true late-stage contender and a November ballot between Becerra and Hilton.<\/p>\n